Lawyers refuse to defend alleged Delhi gang rapists

Delhi
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Lawyers in Delhi have refused to defend the men accused of taking part in the brutal gang-rape and murder of the 23-year-old medical student who succumbed to her injuries on December 29.

Five men are due to appear in court in New Delhi on Thursday, charged with murder, attempt to murder, gang-rape, sodomy, kidnapping and robbery. However, no lawyers are willing to defend the five men.

The Economic Times reported Sanjay Kumar, a lawyer and a member of the Saket District Bar Council, said: "We have decided that no lawyer will stand up to defend the rape accused as it would be immoral to defend the case."

Kumar went on to say that 2,500 lawyers registered at the court have agreed to "stay away" to ensure "speedy justice."

The sixth accused is 17-years-old and will be tried as a minor.

More details of the heinous crime have been revealed. The Times of India reported top sources in Delhi reported the six assailants tried to run over the rape victim with the bus, but she was saved by her friend pulling her out of the path of the bus.

Meanwhile the brother of the rape victim has said the family have no objection if her name is revealed. Activists are hoping that a revised anti-rape law will be named after the victim.